Reaction mixed as local groundhog predicts early spring

Wynter the Groundhog did not see shadow

Published 5:49 PM CST Feb 02, 2013

MILWAUKEE -

Groundhog Day arrived with snow on the ground, but it appears Spring is right around the corner. Wynter the Groundhog crawled from her indoor shelter at the Milwaukee County Zoo and did not see her shadow.

That means Spring is coming early, and the news is getting a mixed reaction.

“I’m happy with that," said zoo visitor Rick Fulop.

However, youngster Ben disagreed.

“I love building forts out of snow,” Ben said. “And if that goes all away in Spring, well, I can’t do that anymore.”

Eric Greenwald started removing snow in 2011, the year of the big Groundhog Day blizzard. In 2013, however, the snow totals have been much lower - - anywhere from an inch to three-and-a-half inches of fresh powder.

“It’s been tight, but just have to make due with what we get,” said Eric Greenwell, who pushes snow in the winter. “To get a snowfall in early February is … it gives me hope.”

Meanwhile in Pennyslvania, Punxsatawny Phill did not see his shadow also.